The Ohio State Buckeyes are facing a significant shift as edge rusher C.J. Hicks has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. This news hits hard – a former five-star recruit, a player once brimming with potential, is seeking a fresh start elsewhere. What went wrong? Why is a player of his caliber leaving Columbus? Let's delve into the details.
Hicks, who played both linebacker and defensive end for the Buckeyes, informed On3 Sports of his decision on Thursday, with his official entry into the transfer portal slated for Friday. This move will leave him with one year of eligibility. While he spent four seasons with Ohio State, his playing time was limited, leading him to redshirt after just four appearances in the 2025 season.
And this is the part most people miss... Hicks's departure isn't just about one player leaving. It's a sign of the times in college football, where the transfer portal offers immediate opportunities for players seeking more prominent roles. It also highlights the intense competition for playing time within a program as talented as Ohio State. The Buckeyes are constantly reloading with top-tier recruits, making it difficult for everyone to get the snaps they desire.
Hicks joins Jelani Thurman, Bryce West, and Lincoln Kienholz as the fourth Buckeye to enter the transfer portal since the end of the season. The transfer portal officially re-opened on January 2nd, allowing players to explore other options. Keep in mind that while the portal formally opens on that date, players often announce their intentions beforehand to get a head start on finding their next team. This early announcement allows them and their representatives to gauge interest and explore potential landing spots.
Before we move on, it's important to acknowledge the role of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in today's college football landscape. If you're interested in supporting Ohio State football and basketball student-athletes, you can contribute to 'The Foundation,' an organization dedicated to NIL compensation. (Link provided in original article.)
Ohio State's 2025 season concluded in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, ending their hopes of a national championship. However, the focus now shifts to recruiting and the transfer portal as they look to build a championship-caliber team for 2026. Don't forget that basketball season is in full swing, with crucial conference games on the horizon. It's a busy time for Buckeye Nation. Stay informed about all the latest Ohio State news by subscribing to Bucknuts! (Link provided in original article.)
Although Hicks appeared in the Buckeyes' initial games of the 2025 season, he was later sidelined to preserve his eligibility. This decision was made when it became clear that he had fallen in the depth chart. The coaching staff undoubtedly hoped to retain Hicks for the 2026 season. But here's where it gets controversial... The reality is that even if he had stayed, securing a starting role would have been a significant challenge, especially with the potential return of defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. securing his position.
Throughout his four seasons with the Buckeyes, Hicks participated in 44 games, recording 42 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and one pass deflection. These stats, while respectable, don't fully capture the potential that many saw in him coming out of high school.
Originally a five-star recruit in the 2022 class, Hicks was ranked as the No. 10 overall player and the No. 2 linebacker. He spent his first three seasons at linebacker before transitioning to defensive end in 2025. This positional switch perhaps didn't fully unlock his potential, and a change of scenery might be what he needs to excel.
Beyond his on-field abilities, Hicks was also known for his exceptional peer recruiting skills. He actively encouraged other recruits to join him in Columbus, earning him the nickname "Captain Buckeye" for the 2022 class. His passion for the program was evident, making his departure even more surprising to some.
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Ultimately, Hicks will now seek to establish himself as a starter with another program. This raises the question: Was Ohio State the right fit for him? Could a different scheme or coaching staff unlock his full potential? Let us know what you think in the comments! Do you believe Hicks made the right decision to transfer, or should he have stayed and fought for a role with the Buckeyes? What kind of impact do you think he'll have at his new school?
